How can you hold on to hope with all of the following contrary events happening? There are shootings, protest in the streets, fires in the west, hurricanes in the South, coronavirus and the coming flu season etc. Also, there are concerns about a financial collapse which would throw us into a depression. Many have set their hope on the outcome of the Presidential election or another stimulus package. What can the President or any politician do to ensure a future and a hope for you? Nothing, only God can. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a hope and future. Jer. 29:11.
Uncertainty in life isn’t new. In fact, Paul spoke to believers about their place in the world as he said “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 1 Cor. 1:26. It isn’t your social standing to God that is important, but that you are in Christ and you know the reality of what he did on the cross. The message of the cross is “the hidden wisdom” Paul talks about it in 1 Cor. 2:7. It’s the wisdom, “God ordained before the world unto our glory”. “Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” 1 Cor. 2:8. This wisdom is the “rock” we stand on.
It is this “hidden wisdom” that is important to us. God says that we are to “glory in it” (boast) that we know Him. in Jer. 9:24 “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, That I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: For in these things I delight, saith the LORD”. It is there that we find hope; God poured out his judgment not on us, but on his one and only perfect son. That is God’s lovingkindness and mercy towards us. Because of this incredible act of love, we can now enter into a personal relationship with the creator of the universe (our Father).The world knows no peace, but as believers we can have perfect peace, if our minds are stayed on Him. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world, you shall have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” John 16:33. If you’re looking at situations in the flesh, doubt, fear and unbelief will fill your heart. On the other hand, if the spirit man is in control; faith, hope and trust will rule your heart, no matter what’s going on. God wants his bride to seek him with all their hearts and listen as He leads them, which will manifest his wisdom.
As believers, if we know who our God is, and who we are in Him, like Meshach, Shadrach, Abednego and Daniel, the enemy will be defeated. The three Hebrew children knew who they were and who their God was. They had favor from God in Babylonian captivity, working in the government. Things were going well for them, until they refused to bow down to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar, knowing that there would be severe consequences as they saw the fiery furnace waiting for them. The answer they gave to the king was, if God wants to rescue us he will. Nothing will cause us to serve your gods or golden image. They were thrown into a vicious fiery furnace. Because God allowed this to happen, Nebuchadnezzar recognized their God was the only God who could deliver after this sort. When he ordered them to come out, high ranking officials were amazed at the fact that the fire had no power over them. They were the same coming out as they were when they went in.
Daniel also was shown favor by God. He was the first of three presidents in Babylon. Because Daniel did not obey the decree of the king, which said nobody could pray to his God for thirty days. When Daniel knew the decree was signed, he went to his home, opened up his windows and prayed to his God three times a day. He would not obey the decree and because of that, judgement came and he was thrown into the lion’s den. God came to his rescue. The son of God was the fourth man in the fiery furnace, in Daniel’s case, God sent an angel to shut their mouths. Once again, a man of God refused to deny his God, knowing that he faced death. Daniel feared God not man. Fear not, the situations in the world.
His Word will build up our faith “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Rom. 10:17. As we trust Him in all situations, eventually one will understand the meaning of the following scripture; “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, To them who are the called according to his purpose” Rom. 8:28. As He did with the three Hebrew children and Daniel, God will confirm His word, Heb. 2:4, “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will”.
